3 quality ASX shares for a beginner's share portfolio

Here we look 3 quality options for anyone beginning or expanding their ASX share portfolio.

Are  you starting an ASX share portfolio for the first time? If so, I hope you discover, like me, that share investing not only is enjoyable but can also be a great way to supplement your income.

Or, maybe you are looking for some good share picks to add to your portfolio?

Either way, here's why I believe the following 3 ASX shares could be good options for you.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

It's not surprising that Woolworths is a very familiar brand name in Australia. The grocery retail giant is now Australia's second-largest company based on revenue.

Woolworths has been reasonably successful at winning back customers from its rival Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) over recent years, achieving this with a strategy focusing on quality, service and competitive pricing.

Unlike many other retail companies, Woolworths' revenue stream has been very resilient throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Supermarket stores have remained open because they provide an essential service. And Woolworths also delivers consumers a competitive online offering.

Another benefit is that Woolworths pays investors a forward annual dividend yield of 2.6% that is fully franked.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie Group is a global financial services business headquartered in Australia. The company's strategy focuses on its international investment banking operations.

I think Macquarie has become a more balanced and diversified business over the past few years. Previously, it was too focused on a small product set and got into trouble during the 2008 global financial crisis. However, in the current crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, I believe Macquarie is now better positioned to weather the storm.

Macquarie currently pays investors an attractive forward annual dividend yield of 3.5%.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

My third recommendation is not an individual company, but what is referred to as an exchange traded fund (ETF). Vanguard invests in a broad basket of shares that are listed in range of overseas markets.

Vanguard's 5 biggest listings include tech giants such as Apple Inc, Microsoft and Amazon. There is no doubt that the ASX offers investors lots of great options. However, by investing in this ETF,  you will get exposure to a broad range of quality shares that are not available on the ASX as individual listings.

Foolish Takeaway

I believe Woolworths, Macquarie Group and the Vanguard ETF are solid options for anyone starting their ASX share portfolio or building on previous investments.

Keep in mind, it's a good strategy to expand your portfolio over time. This safeguard ensures that you have enough market diversification and not too much investment weighted on any individual listing.

Motley Fool contributor Phil Harpur has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Woolworths Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ASX Share Market News

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a sour end to the trading week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

Person on a tablet with buy and sell options for a stock on the screen.
Opinions

Xero shares have crashed 64%. Here's why I'm buying

Xero shares have plunged, but I'm seeing a buying opportunity.

Read more »

Red arrow going down on a stock market chart, with share prices in red.
ASX Share Market News

ASX 200 sinks to June lows as investors brace for another RBA rate hike

The ASX 200 is heading towards the weekend on a sour note.

Read more »

Drone flying in the sky.
Share Gainers

EOS shares jump 7% as ASX 200 falls. Could $15 be next?

Could this ASX defence stock have much further to run?

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Broker Notes

2 ASX shares UBS says could increase 13% to 37%

These shares are primed for a rise, the broker says.

Read more »

two cute young boys dressed in business suits sit amid a pile of papers with a calculator and adding machine looking very happy for themselves.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: BOQ, Harvey Norman, Lynas shares

Here’s what brokers forecast for these three ASX shares over the next 12 months.

Read more »

Three people jumping cheerfully in clear sunny weather.
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares upgraded by experts this week

Brokers have increased their ratings on AMP, Evolution, Wesfarmers, and other stocks. 

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Opinions

Why I think Soul Patts shares are even more attractive after the FY26 result

This business offers enormous positives.

Read more »